Why Lead?

What if knowing less could actually make you more? In this riveting conversation, Ben Owden sits down with Dr. Stuart Firestein, former Chair of Columbia University’s Biological Sciences, neuroscientist extraordinaire, and author of Ignorance: How It Drives Science and Failure: Why Science Is Successful . Far from being gloomy topics, Stuart shows us how ignorance and failure are the secret engine...

Imagine waking up to a world run by hyper-intelligent machines. It sounds like science fiction, but Mo Gawdat, former Chief Business Officer at Google X, bestselling author, and renowned happiness evangelist, says it's coming faster than you think. In this gripping episode, Mo shares a prophetic vision that’s equal parts warning and hope. As we hurtle toward a future where artificial intellig...

In this conversation, Dr. Sara Mednick , world-renowned scientist, author of the influential book Take a Nap, Change Your Life , and professor directing the Sleep and Cognition Lab at UC Irvine, shares eye-opening insights about the profound link between rest, sleep, longevity, and your overall quality of life. Ever wondered why stress at work drains your energy or why cutting corners on sleep tod...

Imagine discovering four distinct “personalities” inside your brain—each with its own way of thinking, feeling, and experiencing the world. That’s exactly what Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor , a Harvard-trained neuroanatomist, revealed after surviving a major left-hemisphere stroke that erased her ability to walk, talk, and even recall her name. In this transformative conversation, Ben Owden dives into how...

What if you could predict who will buy, who will click—or even who might lie or die? In this episode, Ben Owden sits down with Dr. Eric Siegel founder of Machine Learning Week , a globally recognized expert on demystifying machine learning and author of two landmark books, Predictive Analytics and The AI Playbook , Dr. Siegel. They cut through the hype of “AI” to reveal how predictive analytics (t...

What if everything you thought you knew about strategy was wrong—or at least incomplete? In this eye-opening episode, Ben Owden sits down with Felix Oberholzer-Gee , Harvard Business School’s Andreas Andersen Professor of Business Administration and the author of Better, Simpler Strategy: A Value-Based Guide to Exceptional Performance . Renowned for his award-winning teaching and cutting-edge rese...

How do we create a world where our children—and all of us—can truly thrive? In this episode, Ben Owden sits down with Dr. Monica Sharma , a physician, epidemiologist, and former senior leader at the United Nations, whose groundbreaking work in Radical Transformational Leadership helps people tackle global challenges by harnessing their own inner capacities. Drawing from decades of experience acros...

Ever felt your heart sink when someone says, “I have some feedback for you”? You’re not alone. In this insightful episode, I chat with Jason Rosoff , co-founder of Radical Candor , about the gripping fear and anxiety that often hijack feedback and performance conversations. Jason has helped organizations of every size—from scrappy startups to Fortune 100 heavyweights—create honest, human-centered...

Kick off the new year with a fresh perspective on your business strategy! In this episode, Ben Owden chats with Dr. Peter Fader , Wharton professor and co-founder of a predictive analytics firm acquired by Nike. Peter is also the author of Customer Centricity and The Customer Centricity Playbook , and he’s on a mission to debunk the myth that “all customers are created equal.” Discover why focusin...

Ben Owden in a conversation with Dr. Simone Ahuja , best-selling author, keynote speaker, and CEO of Blood Orange , a global innovation strategy firm. Simone talks about Jugaad innovation , a frugal and flexible approach to problem-solving under constraints. She shares how embracing scarcity can actually fuel creativity and drive meaningful innovation from within organizations. Learn about intrapr...

Ben Owden engages in a conversation with Stacy Spikes, the visionary co-founder of MoviePass and author of "Black Founder: The Hidden Power of Being an Outsider." Stacy's journey is a masterclass in turning failures into stepping stones and embracing the unique advantages of being an outsider. From working alongside entertainment icons like Stevie Wonder, Spike Lee, and Eddie Murphy...

Join host Ben Owden as he engages in a transformative conversation with Janet M. Harvey, a globally recognized leader in the coaching industry and author of "From Tension to Transformation: A Leader's Guide to Generative Change." Discover how embracing discomfort and leaning into tension can unlock your hidden leadership potential. Janet explores how to turn your inner critic into y...

Host Ben Owden engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, a renowned pediatric leader and former WHO Chief Scientist. They explore the interconnected relationship between health and climate change and the role of transformative leadership in addressing these complex challenges. The conversation explores the need for innovative thinking, diversity of thought, and colla...

Ben Owden talks with Dr. Samu Dube, the Executive Director of FP2030.  Dr. Dube shares her insights on the intrinsic potential within everyone to be extraordinary, highlighting the importance of intentionality and continuous improvement. She recounts her personal journey, drawing inspiration from her grandmother and stressing the significance of being uncomfortable with comfort to drive progress....

Host Ben Owden engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Michael Charles and Dr. Githinji Gitahi. They discuss the importance of social justice and equality as fundamental human rights. Dr. Gitahi highlights the need for awareness of male privilege and the importance of allyship in creating a level playing field for women. He calls for urgent policy changes to remove barriers and promot...

Ben Owden sits down with Dr. Yasmin Ali Haque, who has a rich background in UNICEF and humanitarian response, and Amie Batson, President of Women Lift Health, to explore the evolving nature of leadership and share insights on the universal aspects of leadership—empathy, respect, and a commitment to impactful change. The discussion also covers creating inclusive environments that encourage open dia...

Ben Owden explores the challenges women face in gaining visibility and leadership roles with guests Rachel Ombaka and Liz Ntonjira of WomenLift Health. The discussion transitions to overcoming these barriers through continuous learning, authenticity, and mentorship, highlighting strategies for "doing it afraid" and building confidence. The guests share personal stories and advocate for i...

Dive into a journey of transformation with Barbara Oakley, from struggling with basic math to becoming a renowned engineering professor, and discover the secrets to mastering any skill. This episode isn't just a story; it's a blueprint for turning your biggest challenges into your greatest strengths. Barbara shares groundbreaking insights on the neuroscience of learning, the power of hab...

Join host Ben Owden on a transformative journey through the art of conversation with communication scientist, educator, and author Haesun Moon. In this heartfelt episode, we delve into the healing power of dialogue and discover how intentional communication can lead to profound changes in our personal and professional lives. Haesun shares her insights on the significance of celebrating progress, t...

Morra, with her rich background in leadership and mental health advocacy, shares groundbreaking insights into how we can reframe our relationship with anxiety. From the gripping tales of leaders who've harnessed their inner turmoil to achieve greatness, to practical advice on managing the day-to-day challenges of anxiety, this episode is a treasure trove of wisdom for anyone looking to find p...

Ben Owden engages with Paul Loomans to explore the intersection of calmness and productivity. Loomans offers profound insights into the detrimental effects of sustained stress and the importance of embracing calmness in everyday life. They discuss strategies for managing interruptions, focusing on one task at a time, and transforming limiting beliefs that hinder productivity. Through anecdotes and...

Ben Owden engages in a profound conversation with Oliver Burkeman, the insightful author of the New York Times bestselling book, Four Thousand Weeks. A book Adam Grant called, the most important time management book of all time. The discussion delves into the societal glorification of busyness, exploring the ironic guilt associated with idleness. Oliver addresses the discomfort of slowing down and...

In this insightful conversation, Ben and David Allen, one of the world’s most influential thinkers on productivity, explore the principles of productivity, life philosophy, and the essence of "Getting Things Done." As the creator of the GTD methodology, David shares wisdom gained from a lifetime of experiences, discussing the importance of control and focus, the value of patience, and th...

This episode features personal finance coaches, Sam Ndandala, Anna Mwasha, and Chris Rwechungura. We delve into a discussion on the Psychology of Money book by Morgan Housel. Important Links * Join Thrive in the Middle Today! * Book WhyLead to Train Your Teams * Explore Our Services Social Media *Ben Owden's LinkedIn *Ben Owden's Twitter

In this episode, dive deep into the profound insights shared by leadership expert Janet Harvey. Discover the transformative power of judgment and how it catalyzes personal and leadership growth. Janet highlights the importance of courage and curiosity, turning judgment from a stumbling block into a stepping stone. Get ready to redefine your relationship with judgment and unlock the doors to your t...